New music can be difficult to approach, especially as an undergraduate student. The University of Calgary's School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) music student Brett Durocher was determined to not only perform a new composition but instead his plan was to commission a solo tuba work by Canadian Music Centre's Associate Composer and SCPA music professor Allan Gordon Bell. It took about a year, as Brett was preparing his repertoire for his senior recital under his teacher Tom McCaslin, principal tubist for the Calgary Philharmonic, but it was a process he trusted having been exposed to Bell's works throughout his years in the program.
After a research project on Canadian music for his instrument, Durocher jumped at the opportunity to improve the current existing repertoire for solo tuba, which he found was not as extensive as woodwind, piano, voice, or even other brass instruments.
"It's exciting and nerve-wracking since an important part is putting in the time to listen to others' interpretation of the work, but with this I have to make musical decisions. In the end, it's also an inherent relationship of trust; you are half of the deal in making this music happen. My advice is to simply go out on a limb and get in touch with your composer. The worst thing they can say is no, because they're busy. Lastly, don't be afraid to communicate with your composer about extramusical decisions or instructions."
Brett performed the world premiere of Grizzly Stride by Allan Bell on March 17, 2022. >> Watch video
*Original story published of Canadian Music Centre Prairie
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